Perfect Watermelon Buttercream Cake

Ingredients:

For Watermelon Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup watermelon puree (strained from blended watermelon chunks)
• Pink or red food coloring (optional)

For Watermelon Buttercream:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup watermelon puree
• Green food coloring
• Mini chocolate chips for "seeds"

Cooking Steps:

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Cake Pans

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

1. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

1. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
2. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 6: Add Watermelon Puree

1. Fold in the watermelon puree until the batter is smooth.
2. Optionally, add pink or red food coloring to achieve the desired watermelon color.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare Watermelon Buttercream

1. In a large bowl, beat softened butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth and fluffy.
3. Add watermelon puree and green food coloring to achieve a vibrant green color. Mix until well combined.

Step 9: Assemble and Frost the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
2. Spread a layer of watermelon buttercream over the top.
3. Place the second cake layer on top.
4. Frost the entire cake with the remaining watermelon buttercream.

Step 10: Decorate with "Seeds"

1. Gently press mini chocolate chips into the sides of the cake to resemble watermelon seeds.

Step 11: Chill and Serve Refrigerate the Watermelon Buttercream Cake for at least 30 minutes before serving. Slice and enjoy the summery goodness!

This Watermelon Buttercream Cake is a fun and delicious way to celebrate the flavors of summer. Its vibrant appearance and delightful taste make it a perfect treat for warm-weather gatherings.